State of West Virginia v. Henry B.

Summary

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed Henry B.'s convictions for sexual assault, sexual abuse by a parent or person in a position of trust, and incest. The court held that the circuit court properly found him competent to stand trial, denied his motion for a new trial, and determined that his confession was voluntary under the totality of the circumstances. The opinion was issued as a memorandum decision under Rule 21 of the West Virginia Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Holdings

1. The circuit court did not err in determining that Henry B. was competent to stand trial and criminally responsible for his crimes.
2. The circuit court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion for a new trial because Henry B.'s behavior at trial did not constitute new evidence establishing incompetency.
3. The circuit court did not err in finding that Henry B.'s confession and statements were voluntarily given and in denying his motion to suppress.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the circuit court correctly determined that Henry B. was competent to stand trial and criminally responsible for his crimes.
2. Whether the circuit court abused its discretion by denying Henry B.'s motion for a new trial based on alleged trial behavior and claimed incompetency.
3. Whether the circuit court erred in denying suppression of Henry B.'s second police statement because it was allegedly involuntary due to intoxication, limited intellectual capacity, and coercion.

Disposition

affirmed